mach-1 suspension

[urban96]

just picked up mach 1 suspension (springs+shocks and struts) for $275. i plan on purchasing some full length subframe connectors next week sometime. do you think 275 is a good price for this suspension (used with less then 1,000 miles). also how does this setup compair to the bullitt kit in the handling deparment

 

[VibrantRedGT]

Haven't heard the best results about either of them. I researched for awhile but decided I"m going with the Strange set up.

 

[Rootus]

Maybe it'll be okay with the shocks and struts combined with the springs. I've got Mach 1 shocks/struts, with Eibach springs, and I'm not at all impressed. Personally I'd like to do the Maximum Motorsports coilovers w/Bilsteins.

Dave

 

[urban96]

Maybe it'll be okay with the shocks and struts combined with the springs. I've got Mach 1 shocks/struts, with Eibach springs, and I'm not at all impressed. Personally I'd like to do the Maximum Motorsports coilovers w/Bilsteins.

Dave

ya i would really like to go with something better but im a poor college student and my 10 year old suspension is gettin kind of tired and needed to be refreshed, if i like it ill leave it alone if i dont ill be saving up for something better

 

[viperos]

well, very soon I'm doing Ford Racing C Springs... and people have suggested the Mach 1 struts/shocks... are there better ones out there that won't set me back a few more mods in the $$$ department??

-I didn't really want to spend more than $300 on everything... so $100 on the springs, and about $200 on the struts/shocks... possible??

-I'm installing everything, and having them alligned by a good friend for lunch

 

[Rootus]

I think what's important is that the springs and shocks/struts match. I'm using Mach 1 shocks/struts with progressive rate springs, and they don't seem to match well -- so I get a *lot* of bounce at low speeds, it's very annoying. If you want an inexpensive matched set, perhaps something like the M-5400-A kit from Ford -- springs, shocks, struts, & sway bars, For less than $400.

Dave

 

[viperos]

do they make a C Kit?? it's the C springs that I really want

 

[Rootus]

do they make a C Kit?? it's the C springs that I really want

I thought that the kit did have C springs... or did they put B springs in it? Oh well...

 

[red94fiveo]

Maybe it'll be okay with the shocks and struts combined with the springs. I've got Mach 1 shocks/struts, with Eibach springs, and I'm not at all impressed. Personally I'd like to do the Maximum Motorsports coilovers w/Bilsteins.

Dave

Dave- I thought you were running Bilsteins for some reason.... Anyway, since you're not let me say that I would highly recommend picking some up!

 

[rio95]

that ford racing handling kit doesn't have c springs!!! they are extremely similar but slightly diff. and claim a 1in. drop max. which prob. isn't enough in my opinion. i would like about 1.25in drop. have you checked out mrt?? mustangracing.com. they have kit which is similar to the bullit kit, but with better springs. those springs cost $190 though. i might get those mrt springs with mach 1 s/s and mm c/c plates. i think that would be a decent set-up for the money with a 1.25in. drop.

 

[Rootus]

I think it's critically important to make sure that whatever setup you go with, the shocks/struts match up with the spring rate. Don't make the mistake of mismatching them, you will not like the result at all.

red94fiveo-- nope, I needed something to replace my stock ones, but I wasn't ready yet to fork out the money for the setup I really want, so I got the Mach 1 S/S. Eventually I want Bilsteins and a MM coilover kit.

Dave

 

[jmuva44]

I dont know about the Mach1 kit or how it handles but I do have the complete Bullitt kit which I would assume would be similar and I cant say enuf good things about it. Sure its cheap and you get what you pay for but I guess sometimes you don't.

 

[viperos]

well, assuming I'm probably going to buy these things seperately now.... I'm going to get Ford C Springs, but what struts/shocks to buy? are the Mach 1s the best for the money? or Bullitts? or is there another good quality setup that won't drain my pockets??

 

[95tealGT]

well, assuming I'm probably going to buy these things seperately now.... I'm going to get Ford C Springs, but what struts/shocks to buy? are the Mach 1s the best for the money? or Bullitts? or is there another good quality setup that won't drain my pockets??

TTT, I'm wondering the same thing. I was originally thinking of going with Eibach Sportlines and Mach 1 struts/shocks to get a satisfactory ride. After reading this I realize that will not be possible. How about Bullitt shocks/struts?

 

[DougNuts]

Sometimes I wonder if you guys know what you're talking about when it comes to springs, shocks and struts.

There is nothing wrong with the C springs, B springs, bullit springs, or the Mach1 springs. There are differences between all 4, some differences smaller than others.

In general, if you're into handling, you're going to want linear rate springs. If you want a soft ride, you want some progressive rate springs. On the other hand, mismatched shocks/struts and springs will give you a bad ride no matter what. Also, linear rate springs do not = bad ride!!!

Linear rate: This means that the spring rate is constant no matter how compressed the spring is.

Progressive rate: This means that the spring rate increases as the spring is compressed. This will give a slightly better ride, but it's going to be hard to find a cheap shock/strut combo that can dampen the spring constantly throughout its compression. Therefore, if you buy a shock/strut combo for a linear rate spring and put it on with a progressive rate spring, it's going to handle like crap because the spring doesn't spend much time at that one spring rate. Essentially, they can't control the suspension's movement and therefore you get a bouncy or sloppy ride!

I wouldn't buy Eibach springs unless I knew I could find shocks/struts that will work with those spring rates. Furthermore, I would never buy any springs that I couldn't find out what the rates were for them.

To sum it all up, there is nothing wrong with the Bullitt or Mach1 kits. They aren't cheap because they're crappy, they're cheap because they are surplus!!

I'm tired of typing... If anyone has any questions, just drop me a PM, I'd love to help anyone out!

 

[viperos]

well, we were talking about mach 1/bullitt struts/shocks... not the springs... so, since you seem to well adversed on the topic (seem to know lots ) what struts/shocks work well (good quality ride) w/ the ford C springs?

 

[flgants]

I have the full Bullitt set up with cc plates and steeda X-2 balljoints. I love it. It dropped my car about 1.5 in the front and 1.2 in the back and it handles great without punishing my back on the bumps. I have NEVER heard a negative word about the Bullitt set up from a person who actually had it.

My .02

Gary

 

[DougNuts]

well, we were talking about mach 1/bullitt struts/shocks... not the springs... so, since you seem to well adversed on the topic (seem to know lots ) what struts/shocks work well (good quality ride) w/ the ford C springs?

C springs are 650# linear rate fronts and 200/300 progressive rear. 7/8" drop front, 1/2" drop rear. Either one of the bullit or mach1 shock/strut kits will be pretty darn close to what you need. If you can get either of them for under $300, you're getting a deal.

I have the tokico Mach1 shock/struts with C springs and I couldn't be happier.

Someday I'll go coil-overs at which point I'll buy a system from www.maximummotorsports.com , they are much wiser than I.

 

[urban96]

do you guys think i should buy some new poly bushing for the front swaybar while im in there? also what about some offset stearing rack bushings, or should i stay with normal bushings?

 

[DougNuts]

do you guys think i should buy some new poly bushing for the front swaybar while im in there? also what about some offset stearing rack bushings, or should i stay with normal bushings?

I would stick with normal offset bushings, I vaguely remember reading that the offset bushings aren't a good idea. Found it:

http://www.maximummotorsports.com/rbd.asp

It wouldn't hurt to put in some poly sway bar bushings and new endlinks.